Get your kicks on Route 66 in Kansas! While the Sunflower State only has 13.2 miles of the Mother Road, there’s still plenty of things to see while driving Route 66.
There are few more iconic drives in America than the Mother Road and for good reason. Originally commissioned in 1926, Route 66 was fully paved by the late 1930s. During its heyday, the route was a popular thoroughfare for leisure travelers as well as folks headed west in search of a better life. While the route was officially decertified in 1985, thousands of travelers still flock from around the globe to drive the historic highway and experience this slice of classic Americana.
In Kansas, the state has done a great job keeping the spirit of the historic route alive as the Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway.
This post includes everything you need to plan your road trip along Route 66 in Kansas. From must-see attractions to places to eat and drink to incredible accommodations, be sure to bookmark this comprehensive guide to help with your Route 66 road trip planning.
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Table of Contents
Driving Directions for Route 66 in Kansas
From the East
If you’re headed westward, you’ll encounter the Kansas segment of Route 66 shortly after you pass through Joplin, Missouri. Passing through downtown Galena, Kansas, you’ll head west on Old Route 66 through Riverton, Kansas. As you pass through Riverton, be sure to go straight through the traffic circle to stay on Old Route 66 and cross the Rainbow Bridge. From there, you’ll head south and connect back with Military Avenue before entering Baxter Springs, Kansas.
From the West
If you’re traveling Route 66 from west to east, you’ll encounter the Kansas leg of Route 66 after leaving Quapaw, Oklahoma. Head north on Route 66 to enter Baxter Springs, Kansas and follow the route toward Riverton. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs directing you toward Old Route 66 or you’ll miss the Rainbow Bridge. After passing through Riverton and Baxter Springs, you’ll continue across the state line into Missouri.
Kansas Route 66 Attractions
Luigi’s Pit Stop
One of the first stops you’ll encounter after crossing the Missouri border into Kansas is Luigi’s Pit Stop. This roadside art park is a must-visit for fans of Pixar’s movie “Cars.” Keep an eye out for nods to the film like a replica of Lightning McQueen and a variety of fun photo ops. There’s also a 1949 Mercury police car that looks just like the Sheriff of Radiator Springs. In fact, it’s even signed by Michael Wallis, the Route 66 author and historian who voiced the movie character.
Luigi’s Pit Stop, 205 East Front Street in Galena, Kansas
Frecs the Miner (Gone)
While exploring Route 66 you’ll encounter a number of Muffler Men. But none are quite like Frecs the Miner.
Sadly, this roadside giant caught fire during an accident in March 2022. But, locals hope to have him rebuilt.
Remains of Frecs the Miner, 205 East Front Street in Galena, Kansas
Cars on the Route
Another popular draw in Galena, Kansas, is Cars on the Route. This restored Kan-O-Tex service station is home to none other than the truck that inspired the Pixar character Tow Mater in the movie “Cars.” Be sure to snap your photo with Tow Tater for the ultimate Route 66 souvenir!
Cars on the Route, Kan-O-Tex Service Station, 119 N. Main Street in Galena, Kansas
Galena Murder Bordello
For true crime fans traveling the route, won’t want to miss the Galena Murder Bordello. Located across from Cars on the Route, this historic home was reportedly owned by convicted murderer and bordello madam Ma Staffleback. Staffleback was known as “Galena’s Bloody Madam” because she was believed to have killed more than a dozen clients.
While tours of the home are offered by appointment, the bordello’s history has been disputed by historians in recent years.
Galena Murder Bordello, 206 N. Main Street in Galena, Kansas
Pappy Litch Park
As you explore Galena, Kansas, Pappy Litch Park is a great place to stretch your legs. This small park has a number of attractions including a historic jail cell and original Will Rogers Highway plaque.
For many years, this piece of Galena was a service station owned by local historian Howard “Pappy” Litch. To honor his dedication to the community, the city constructed the park where Litch’s garage once stood.
Pappy Litch Park, 500 Main Street in Galena, Kansas
Gearhead Curios
Located inside a restored 1939 Texaco station, Gearhead Curios is one of Galena, Kansas’ must-see stops. Pop in to find a variety of Route 66 souvenirs and learn about the station’s restoration. Even if the interior isn’t open, you’ll find lots of fun photo ops at Gearhead Curios including some additional nods to Pixar’s “Cars.”
Gearhead Curios, 520 S. Main Street in Galena, Kansas
Greetings from Galena Mural
Take advantage of a perfect Kansas photo op with a picture in front of the Greetings from Galena Mural! Designed by Chris Auckerman and Jon White, this large-scale mural depicts some of the most iconic stops along the Kansas alignment of Route 66.
Greetings from Galena Mural, Route 66 in Galena, Kansas
Galena Mining & Historical Museum
Learn about the area’s mining history with a visit to the Galena Mining & Historical Museum. For a small community, there’s a lot of history here. In fact, lead sulfate was discovered here in 1876, which meant Galena became one of the largest mining communities in Kansas.
Galena Mining & Historical Museum, 319 W. 7th Street in Galena, Kansas
Rainbow Bridge
While this piece of local infrastructure is typically called a Marsh Arch Bridge, it’s become more commonly known as the Rainbow Bridge. Built in 1923, this historic bridge was a part of the highway until 1960. Today, it’s the only remaining arch bridge of this kind on the Mother Road.
Tip: Travelers can still drive over this iconic bridge! However, traffic is limited to one-way westward traffic only. Don’t worry if you’re an east-bound traveler though. It’s easy to bypass the bridge and loop back around.
Rainbow Bridge, SE Beasley Road in Baxter Springs, Kansas
Baxter Springs, Kansas Route 66 Visitor Center
Before heading into Oklahoma, be sure to stop at the Baxter Springs Visitor’s Center. This restored Phillips 66 station is brimming with history. If he’s there, be sure to strike up a conversation with Dean “Crazy Legs” Walker. Dean has no shortage of Route 66 stories and was even one of the inspirations for the character of Tow Mater in Pixar’s movie “Cars.”
Tip: It’s tradition for visitors to sign the service station wall! Be sure to add your name when you stop in.
Baxter Springs, Kansas, Route 66 Visitor Center, 940 Military Avenue in Baxter Springs, Kansas
Other Things to See
These stops are not necessarily Route 66 attractions, but are worth a visit if you have extra time in the area:
- Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum: 740 East Avenue in Baxter Springs, KS
- Southeast Kansas Nature Center: 3511 S. Main Street in Galena, Kansas
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Places to Eat on Route 66 in Kansas
The Kansas segment of the Mother Road is fairly short. But you might still find yourself in need of a snack or cup of coffee while passing through the Sunflower State. As you plan your road trip, be sure to check out these places to eat along Route 66 in Kansas.
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store
Built in 1925, Nelson’s Old Riverton Store is a must-stop for Route 66 travelers. This historic shop opened in the 1920s and has been in continuous operation ever since. Today, you won’t find gas here but you can pick up deli sandwiches, farm stand produce, local goods and retro candy.
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, 7109 KS-66 in Riverton, Kansas
Punkin’s Place
Coffee is an essential on any road trip. Thankfully in Baxter Springs, you’ll find Punkin’s Place, an adorable coffee shop with delicious baked goods. Get your caffeine fix and grab a hand pie or pastry to start your day on a sweet note.
Punkin’s Place, 301 Military Avenue Baxter Springs, Kansas
Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub
If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat while driving Route 66 in Kansas, look no further than Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub. This bustling restaurant serves a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas and pastas as well as sandwiches, salads and more.
Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub, 1531 Military Avenue in Baxter Springs, Kansas
Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain
Treat yourself to something sweet with a visit to Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain. Pull up a seat at the counter of this vintage soda fountain and order off their menu of classic sundaes, malts, floats and phosphates. Be sure not to miss the vintage Coca-Cola murals on the side of the building for a fun photo op!
Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, 1601 Military Avenue in Baxter Springs, Kansas
Where to Stay on Route 66 in Kansas
Old Riverton Post B&B
If you’re Route 66 adventure includes an overnight in Kansas, the Old Riverton Post B&B is the perfect spot. Built in 1898, this historic space was once used as a local grocery store and post office.
Thoughtful touches throughout the space offer just enough vintage charm to remind you that you’re traversing the Mother Road. There aren’t many places to stay along Kansas’ Route 66, but this quiet and comfortable loft is a great place to unwind after a day of travel.
Old Riverton Post B&B, 7378 SE 70th Street in Riverton, Kansas
Other Kansas Route 66 Accommodations
There are a handful of other vacation rentals and hotels just off of this stretch of Route 66 as well as in Missouri and Oklahoma. No matter where you stay, there are plenty of places that can serve as a home base during your Kansas Route 66 adventure.
Map: Route 66 Attractions in Kansas
Frequently Asked Questions About Route 66 in Kansas
How much of Route 66 is in Kansas?
There are only 13.2 miles of Route 66 in Kansas, making it the state with the fewest drivable miles of Mother Road.
What towns are on Route 66 in Kansas?
The Kansas portion of Route 66 passes through the communities of Galena, Kansas; Riverton, Kansas; and Baxter Springs, Kansas.
What is there to do on Route 66 in Kansas?
While you’ll only find 13 miles of Route 66 in Kansas, there’s plenty to see in the southeast part of the state. Highlights of this portion of the route include Cars on the Route, Nelson’s Old Riverton Store and the Marsh Arch Bridge.
Let's Be Social
Want even more offbeat adventures, roadside attractions and world's largest things? Follow Olio in Iowa on your favorite social media platforms, and tag #OlioOnTheRoad when you have quirky adventures of your own.
Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from you! Have you driven Route 66 in Kansas? What are your favorite Kansas Route 66 attractions?
